Evaluation of Some Organochlorine Pesticides in Human Breast Milk and Infants’ Dietary Intake in Middle and Upper Egypt

A total of fifty-four human breast milk samples were collected from Pediatric Department of Assiut University Hospital from lactating mothers during January-August, 2001. The samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues by using gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results revealed that all detected organochlorine residue levels were markedly lower in comparison with the previously documented levels although they still had the same frequency percentages as recorded previously. The study indicated also that p,p’-DDE and β-HCH were found to be the main contaminants and were detected in all analyzed samples (100%) followed by HCB (88.9%), p,p’-DDT (83.3%) and oxychlordane (33.3%). The mean total DDTs level in breast milk samples was 16.166 ± 14.82 μg/l formed mainly of p,p’-DDE (95%). The levels ranged from 3.353 to 67.159 μg/l, with levels exceeding the Extraneous Residue Limits (ERLs) issued by FAO/WHO, in 1994 &1996 (50 μg/l) in only 3 samples (5.6%). The total HCH isomers average was 1.599 ± 1.595 μg/l milk formed mainly of β-HCH. HCB and oxychlordane were detected at lower average levels of 0.389 ± 0.156 and 0.285 ± 0.175 μg/l milk, respectively. Within the detection limits no sample was found to contain aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin, γand α chlordane residues. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for total DDTs, γ-HCH and total HCH residues never exceeded the recommended FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADIs). The possible health impact of these pollutants was reviewed.